Deunta Williams Scouting Report

Deunta Williams, S, North Carolina

When Deunta Williams arrived in Chapel Hill, North Carolina he was a receiver. Despite switching to safety prior to the start of his freshman campaign, Williams never stopped catching the ball. As a freshman he started all 12 games and led the team with three interceptions. He also ranked fifth on the squad in tackles that season and was on just about every All-Freshman team that exists. As a sophomore Williams kept it up, starting all 13 games, increasing his tackle total to 65 and picking off three more passes.

The production did not stop during his 2009 campaign. While the tackle numbers were down a little (mostly due to a more talented defense around him), Williams still earned First-Team All-ACC honors and had six interceptions, increasing his career total to 12. On a team that is loaded on defense (four players made First Team All-ACC according to the coaches), Williams is the big play guy. Williams was suspended for four games to start his senior campaign and he has yet to get back into the swing of things, however he is pretty much a proven commodity at this point in his career.

Williams' three years of consistent production have proven to scouts that he is a safe pick and what makes him even more desirable are his instincts and eagerness to learn. Williams will study game tape more than most quarterbacks and that is the type of player every team wants.

2/8 Update: After finishing off his senior season strong, Williams broke his left leg during North Carolina's Music City Bowl victory over Tennessee. While Williams' strong point is his instincts and intelligence, how well he recovers prior to the draft will play a huge role in his draft stock. If he can stay healthy, Williams could be a second round draft pick. If not, he could slip all the way down to the third day of the draft.